NEW DELHI: In a free-wheeling interaction with HRD minister Smriti Z Irani on the occasion of International Education Day, schoolchildren on Monday, in an overwhelming voice, demanded scrapping of continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE) system that has made class X examination optional. They said that they wanted CBSE to revert to the old system of Class X examination.
Students from eight schools—including Delhi Public School, R K Puram, Indirapuram and a few Kendriya Vidyalayas—also demanded that the NCERT textbooks be updated more regularly. They pointed out that textbooks of economics and commerce carry old data. They also wanted that along with changes in the textbooks, competitive examinations like joint entrance examination (JEE) for admission to IITs and NITs be brought on a par with NCERT books. Students said this will save parents from spending lots of money on coaching.
Though in the case of textbooks, Irani did not give any categorical answer except asking the students to voice their concerns in writing, however, she asked students if it will be better for JEE to be tailored as per the NCERT course content.
But the maximum angst was reserved for CCE. Students told the minister that though Class X examination has been made optional in order to lessen stress on students, just the opposite happens in Class XI when students feel burdened. Many felt that the new system is designed in such a way that there is a range of 10% in each grade within which bright and average students are put together. Students also pointed out that 40% weightage for projects is not the right way to judge students as many of these projects are a copy and paste jobs. Some also said that students no longer fear teachers and sanctity of relationship be restored. In this regard some felt teaching should be made more attractive through better remunerations. But there was unanimous view that teachers be appraised by students.
While many felt career counseling in schools should start by class IX, a girl student stole the show by telling Irani that counseling of parents is also necessary. She said, “I am studying biology because my mother wants me to be a doctor. But I love history.”
